DIY Steps to Finding Air Leaks in Your House
Is your home in Albuquerque ready for the colder months ahead? If your home gets cold in the winter, it could be because heat is escaping through air leaks. Air leaks can be hard to find both inside and outside your home.
How can you find these hidden air leaks?
Use Air Leak Detectors
Sure, you may be able to feel air leaks with your hand, but there are better ways to 'see' the air leaks. A smoke pencil is a tool you can use to find air leaks by sending a thin stream of smoke or fog toward the window. Then you can see where the air is going.
Then you can check the outside of your home for leaks by checking the foundation for cracks and gaps. Also check electrical outlets and water faucets.
Do Your Own Energy Audit
Sure, you can hire a pro to do an energy audit. But if you want to do it yourself, Energy.gov has a great home audit checklist. This will give you an idea of where your home is and should be on the energy efficiency scale.
If you prefer that a professional audit your home, look at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for policies and initiatives that can help save you money when it comes to making your home more energy efficient.
Add Weatherstripping and Spray Insulation
You can also plug and caulk around electrical outlets, windows, and doors using caulk and weatherstripping. Outside, use spray foam insulation to fill holes. Replace window glazing to keep the seal tight.
Fixing air leaks will make your home more energy efficient. You'll feel warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and, perhaps best of all, you'll save on monthly utility bills.
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